Academic development manager jobs

Leukaemia UK – Our Charity

We are a ‘small but mighty’ charity with one big ambition: to stop leukaemia devastating lives. Over the next 10 years we want to help save and improve the lives of more people with leukaemia through finding and funding life-changing research, awareness and advocacy.

Despite progress in recent decades, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer every 16 minutes and survival rates are among some of the worst of any cancer.  And the physical and psychological impact can be lifelong. 

Over the next 5 years we plan to increase our investment into ground-breaking world class research and policy development focused on improving access to kinder, more effective diagnosis, treatment and care for leukaemia and other blood cancers. To do this, we have embarked on a period of growth, investing strategically to grow our income, profile, influence, engagement and impact.

The Research Manager will play a pivotal role in our ability to achieve our goals by ensuring that we use our precious resources to fund only the very the best projects and exceptional people, research and activities that demonstrate the potential to make a real difference.

Team

We are a close-knit team, who are all passionate about Leukaemia UK and the amazing work we do with the people who need it. We are all focused on pragmatic, practical solutions as well as ensuring that our charity gets the funding it needs to continue to help those diagnosed with leukaemia and other blood cancers.

Leukaemia UK and You 

We are looking for a talented Research Manager with prior experience of managing research grant funding activities, ideally within a medical research charity or research funding organisation. Our processes and systems are in place, making this an ideal well-structured role for someone to develop into. This is a part-time role and we welcome applications from individuals looking for flexibility, both in hours and hybrid working.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about research and its potential to improve our understanding of leukaemia, develop more effective, kinder treatments and patient care for leukaemia. You will be confident in working independently and communicating with researchers, people affected by leukaemia and stakeholders at all levels.

Experience Requirements

Essential

• Research grant administration 

Desirable

• Research grant funding at a medical research charity or other research funding organisation
• Managing peer review processes
• Using grant management software

Knowledge Requirements

Essential

• Degree level biological / biomedical science
• Knowledge of research grant costing
• Understanding of research impact

Desirable

• Some knowledge of cancer and cancer research
• Knowledge of the UK biomedical academic research environment
• Understanding of the translational pathway for biomedical research

Skills and Abilities Requirements

Essential

• Highly organised and effective at administration and project management
• Meticulous attention to process and budgeting
• Excellent communication skills with internal colleagues and external parties including grant applicants and reviewers, grant holders and their institutions, partner funders
• Strong numeracy and IT literacy

Behaviours and Attribute Requirements

Essential

• Process driven but with a drive for continuous improvement and interest in new innovations
• Interest and motivation to learn
• Highly collaborative and collegial

Join us and help create opportunities that change young lives.

Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity, working to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed.  We're looking for a Partnerships Manager to help transform young people’s futures. In this role, you’ll retain and grow corporate partnerships that fund our programmes and provide paid internships, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities.

You’ll lead a portfolio of corporate partners dontating five figure amounts, inspire businesses to invest in social mobility, and secure long‑term commitments that deliver real impact. Working closely with colleagues across programmes and income generation, you’ll ensure partners see the tangible difference they make while championing employer engagement at events and through networks.

We’re seeking someone with proven account management experience at a mid to high level, exceptional relationship‑building skills, and the ability to collaborate brilliantly with colleagues and partners. If you’re proactive, organised, and motivated by creating opportunities for young people, this is your chance to make a lasting difference.

For full information view our candidate pack, which is available when you click on Apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026

First stage interviews: expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026

Development Manager - Major Gifts

Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £45,025 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: midday Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews in person: TBC 28 or 29 Jan 2026

Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.

Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.

The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.

The Role

As Development Manager - Major Gifts, you will be a senior member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income to meet ambitious annual targets. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:

• Manage a portfolio of high-value donors (individuals, trusts & foundations, corporates), personally soliciting gifts of £10,000+.
• Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects and help develop ultra-high-net-worth individuals for transformative gifts.
• Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our goal of growing major giving from £450,000 annually to £1 million within three years.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and academic leaders, producing compelling proposals and leading donor engagement.

This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring excellent relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for the impact of fundraising in higher education.

About You

You will be an experienced and driven fundraiser with:

• A proven track record of securing and stewarding four-figure and above gifts.
• Strong influencing and communication skills, with confidence engaging high-profile individuals.
• Experience managing a varied portfolio and achieving ambitious KPIs.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work across a complex organisation.

Experience in higher education or the charity sector is desirable, but not essential.

Why Join Us?

• Hybrid working (minimum 2-3 days on campus).
• A supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation and impact.
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference to students and the University community.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Apply now and bring your expertise, passion, and authentic self to Kingston University.
Please share a copy of your profile or CV with Philippa at Charity People as the first step.

Benefits include:

* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays

* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead

* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns

* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees

* Exceptional professional development opportunities

Key Details
- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: midday on Friday 16 Jan
- Interview Date: in person provisionally 28 or 29 Jan

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, passionate team at a pivotal moment in our growth. As our Research & Impact Manager, you will commission and oversee world-class research and ensure that the findings are turned into action. You will ensure evidence leads directly to change: shaping grants, informing strategies, strengthening impact, and improving outcomes for babies.

About Us

Caritas Diocese of Salford is the principal social action agency of the Catholic Diocese. Our mission is to put Love Into Action. We help those across Greater Manchester and Lancashire experiencing poverty, disadvantage, and discrimination to transform their lives with dignity. We provide a practical response to those in crisis, suffering hardship or who are at risk. We rebuild lives for the long-term, enabling people to live in a safe, healthy, and secure environment. We call for a better, more just world, where the voices of the poor are heard and acted upon and positively influence the systems, decisions and resources that affect those in need.

About the job

We are looking to recruit a Grants and Foundations Manager to join Caritas Salford’s fundraising team. You will be part of a team that is passionate about tackling poverty and inequality, where your work will have a real and visible impact. Your focus will be on maintaining and growing income from charitable trusts and statutory agencies.

The Grants and Foundations Manager position is ideal for someone with previous experience of income generation and a proven success in securing funding from trusts and grant making bodies. You will work closely with senior and service managers, to research new funding opportunities, building and sustaining strong relationships with new and existing funders. You will prepare grant applications and maintain a comprehensive database of funders, opportunities and grant applications, in addition to managing and evaluating bids to ensure optimal outcomes.

You will be highly organised with excellent written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling and persuasive proposals. Additionally, you will have strong relationship building skills, with the ability to engage and grow income from a wide range of supporters.

A high level of computer literacy and IT skills, including Microsoft Office and CRM is essential.

If this sounds like the next step you are looking for and you would like to work for an organisation passionate about transforming lives, we would love to hear from you!

37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday with occasional evening and weekends required.

Part time would be considered

Flexibility to work remotely, with regular visits to Caritas services across Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to interview/ appoint before the closing date. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

To apply, please complete an application form and click the link in the advert to be redirected to the Caritas website. You will need to click Apply Now next to the Grants and Foundations Manager role, complete the necessary information and upload your application form plus any supporting documents.

Closing date: Thursday, 8 January 2026 at 9am

Interview: Monday, 19 and/or Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Caritas follows Safer Recruitment practices, and this post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service check. 

For full details please visit Caritas Diocese of Salford - Caritas | Diocese Of Salford – About - Careers

Caritas Diocese of Salford is an equal opportunities employer

Registered Charity Number: 1125808

Please note we do not accept applications via agencies or CVs

In September 2025 Oxford opened its new home for humanities, the state-of-the-art Stephen A.  Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Building on our successes in recent years, we are growing the team with a new senior fundraising role that will work with world-class academics and artists in our faculties and in the Centre’s cultural programming.

In addition to housing a Humanities Library and 7 academic faculties, the Schwarzman Centre includes a world-class, purpose-built concert hall space, theatre, cinema and ‘black box’ performance space, creating a new home for music, film, performing arts and visual arts in Oxford and transforming the experience for students, academics and the local community. The building will create a step change in the visual and performing arts in Oxford, establishing a central base for the Music faculty and History of Art department while offering exciting potential for collaboration with the Ruskin School of Art.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. We are looking for a new senior fundraiser to join our energetic team to raise major gifts for a range of posts, scholarships and other priorities across the Humanities Division.  Oxford is the world’s leading university for humanities teaching and research. The University’s scholarship in languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts – from the earliest civilisation to the present day – enriches our understanding of humankind. Our research informs how we engage with historic issues and contemporary concerns, and contributes to our understanding of – and solutions to – some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to the impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

 About the Role

This fundraiser will work closely with senior academics in the Humanities Division. The post will focus primarily on funding for posts and scholarships in the academic faculties as well as securing support for the activities of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, including the programme of public events that will start taking place in the building from spring 2026. An interest and appreciation for the arts and humanities is essential. 

To Be Successful You’ll Need:

· To be an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts and the ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k-£1m+

· Confidence to work with people from a range of backgrounds, both internally and externally

· The ability to think creatively in prospecting, cultivation and stewardship by identifying and maximising opportunities

· To work well as part of a team, with the capacity to work independently on projects and priorities

· A passion for the arts and humanities, and an awareness of the funding landscape in the UK and internationally

What We Offer

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

· 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)

· Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance

· Extensive personal and professional development opportunities

· Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional

· Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities

· Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave

· Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future

· Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings

· Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being

· Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting

· Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

 Application process:

· Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.

· Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Monday 19 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

 Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1.25 million volunteer hours positioning the University as one of the world leaders in University development. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to help grow our philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level. 

Our world has many challenges that will deeply affect our generation and the next. As a Philanthropy Manager, you will cultivate significant gifts for amazing education and charitable research projects, you will provide funding for scholarships to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and will raise philanthropic funds for priority research areas including cancer, other global health issues and climate change. You will encourage and inspire donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts.

You will be joining an established team of fundraisers made up of Senior Philanthropy Managers, Philanthropy Managers and Philanthropy Officers. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As a Philanthropy Manager in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities in this area and generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the sector-leading academic research to a range of audiences. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Development, Alumni and Campaigns Office

Development Manager
Ref: ALC1611

Starting salary from £38,784 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum. 

If you are passionate about philanthropy and excited to work with individuals to secure major gifts that make a lasting difference - we would love to hear from you.

This is an exciting time to join our fundraising team in the Development, Alumni and Campaigns Office. Our £100m fundraising campaign, Dare to Do Different, is underway and we wish to appoint an individual who shares in our passion for philanthropy.

You will be joining a dedicated and enthusiastic fundraising team where you will be personally responsible for managing a portfolio of individual relationships. You will cultivate, solicit and manage a portfolio of major donor prospects (this includes holding regular face-to-face meetings) to secure significant donations towards our themes of Climate, Health, Creative and Campus.

Degree-educated or with equivalent qualifications/experience, you must have excellent communication skills and a proven track record in fundraising or relationship management.

This full-time post is available on an indefinite basis. 
 
UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

We strongly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply, including candidates who are disabled, Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority, and/or LGBTQ+. We welcome applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part-time), can be found on our benefits page.   

Closing date: 19 January 2026

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality

As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high-quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

St Mary’s University’s new Development Department has a bold five‑year strategy to grow philanthropy and deliver lasting impact. At its heart is the School of Medicine, opening in 2026 as one of the UK’s first socially accountable medical schools, dedicated to tackling health inequalities and serving diverse communities. In just its first year, our campaign has already secured £3.6m towards a £20m goal, funding capital projects, scholarships, and faculty. This is an extraordinary moment to join Development at St Mary’s: you will help shape a pioneering culture of philanthropy, inspire transformational gifts, and play a defining role in building a medical school of national significance and social purpose.

Job Purpose: 

We are seeking a dynamic, results‑driven Philanthropy Manager to grow our major donor programme in partnership with the Development Director. Your primary focus will be cultivating and securing five and six‑figure gifts from high‑net‑worth individuals, building a sustainable pipeline of transformational support. At this exciting moment in St Mary’s history, you will help drive a landmark £20m campaign for the new School of Medicine, inspiring donors to shape the future of UK medical education and tackle health inequalities. Working closely with senior leadership, academics, and campaign volunteers, you will translate strategic priorities into persuasive cases for support and steward lasting donor relationships.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and want to make a meaningful impact we would love to hear from you. 

Closing date: 21 January 2026

Interviews are likely to be held w/c 2 February

St Mary’s University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Learn more about our EDI initiatives and work as a Disability Confident employer. 

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. St Mary’s University is holding a work visa sponsorship licence however we will not always be able to guarantee a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you meet the requirements of the Points Based System before applying as we will not be able to provide advice on individual cases. 

Programme Manager (Part-time, 4 days/week — 12-month contract)

Start date: February 2026
Location: Hybrid (East London office + home working)
Salary: £35,490–£38,220 FTE (pro rata) + 3% pension

The Southeast and East Asian Centre (SEEAC) is a community-led CIC supporting East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) migrants and refugees in the UK. We work to build an equitable society where ESEA communities thrive.

We are seeking a Programme Manager to lead our programme team, deliver high-impact community services and advocacy projects, and strengthen partnerships across the sector. This role is central to coordinating multiple projects, managing staff, developing proposals, overseeing budgets, ensuring monitoring and evaluation, and representing SEEAC publicly with partners, media and stakeholders. The post works closely with the Executive Director and Partnership Development Manager, including on fundraising.

About you:
You bring 5+ years’ experience leading programme design, delivery, monitoring and reporting plus people management experience and strong communication, organisational and financial skills. You are confident engaging with diverse communities, funders and public audiences, and committed to safeguarding and data protection. Knowledge of issues affecting migrants and refugees (e.g., employment rights, discrimination, health inequality) and strong writing skills are essential. Experience with ESEA communities or other minoritised groups is highly desirable, as is lived experience of migration-related issues.

How to apply:
Apply via CharityJobs or directly on our website
Deadline: 7 January 2026 (23:59).

Interviews:
• Stage 1: Week of 12 January 2026 (online)
• Stage 2: Week of 19 January 2026 (in person, East London)

All offers are subject to references and DBS checks. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; SEEAC cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Salary:  £37,000 (FTE) 

Days:  Part-time, 3.5 days (25.9hrs) p/w – flexible working patterns available 

Benefits:  25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays; pension with employer contribution of 3%; flexi-time working (core hours 10am-3pm); access to Employee Assistance Programme 

Contract type:  Fixed, until 31 March 2027

Location: Remote, from home (within Great Britain), with occasional travel

Direct reports:  None, but responsible for liaison with project partners 

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced manager to manage our part in “On track for inclusive train travel”, a research, scoping and piloting project, aiming to make rail travel more accessible and inclusive for disabled people.  This project is being delivered alongside RNIB as lead partner, and funded by Motability Foundation, working with our members Community Rail Lancashire (CRL) and Gloucestershire & Oxfordshire CRP (GOCRP) to engage disabled people and shine a light on lived experience.

You will work closely with RNIB and their project manager, forming part of a small project team to ensure the success of this exciting project. You will support CRL & GOCRP in their coordination of local engagement with disabled people, helping to facilitate a pan-disability, empowering approach that draws on and champions expertise by experience. Ensuring excellent collaboration with railway partners is also key to this role, enabling us to co-create an effective, adaptable model for training, learning and culture change that can be deployed across the railways as they are reformed and renationalised.
 

About us 

Community Rail Network is a not-for-profit organisation, working across Britain to support a growing ‘community rail’ movement. Community rail promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making projects, and brings people together. 

Community rail is made up of 75 community-based partnership organisations, 1,300 station friends volunteer groups, and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects with young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence with families and marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener travel and tourism by rail. 

Our enthusiastic team of 23 works mainly from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to advise our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights via decision-makers and the media. We believe in developing our team and supporting everyone to reach their potential while having a good work-life balance. 

Responsibilities

Project and local engagement coordination  

• Work closely with the RNIB project manager and as part of the project team to help ensure effective planning, coordination, management, communication and the overall success of this project, in line with its purpose and aims; 

• Ensure excellent coordination and communication with the two community rail partnerships, supporting their delivery of empowering, high-quality engagement, in line with project plans, requirements and objectives; 

• Ensure CRL and GOCRP are enabled to play their part effectively, using their expertise and local relationships to bring the experiences, ideas and voices of disabled people to the fore, while engaging railway staff constructively, to research, develop and test our model, and forge ongoing dialogue and understanding between the disabled community and railway; 

• Take a particular lead in utilising and championing co-creation principles and empowering ways of working, across this project and its partners, and in building a legacy; 

• Coordinate closely with our core railway partners helping to develop and test our model, and work across the rail industry, including engaging existing inclusion and accessibility forums and networks, to support the research phase and generally build on community rail’s positive relationships and ability to support inclusive railway practices; 

• Manage Community Rail Network’s budget and monitor the CRPs’ budgets in partnership with their project leads, ensuring these are in line with agreed grant funding; 

• Maintain and uphold our partner agreements and MoU with RNIB.

Research, evaluation and reporting 

• Work as part of the project team to engage railway partners and jointly deliver effective research, to understand current practices and issues within the railway around accessibility and inclusion, and opportunities to improve this;

• Support the CRPs and their interaction with RNIB’s research and innovation staff and our academic advisor, and involving the disabled community and railway staff members;

• Support effective recording and evaluation by the CRPs, ensuring this is in line with project requirements, and serves our goals around legacy-building and empowering those involved; 

• Advise and feed into RNIB on the completion of grant reports and financial statements, including coordinating and reviewing input, data and reports from the CRPs; 

• Maintain strong relations with Motability, as part of the project team.

Legacy building, communications and influencing 

• Continually feed into our senior team and the project board on insights emerging from the programme to help us advocate for more inclusive, confident (rail) travel for disabled people; 

• Support and feed into Community Rail Network and RNIB’s strategic work engaging with rail reform and transformation, such as attending meetings and providing briefings, reports and recommendations, to help us seize opportunities to advocate for positive change; 

• Attend and speak at community rail and other relevant events to develop awareness of the project, share its lessons, and promote our model; 

• Work with Community Rail Network and RNIB’s communications teams, and other colleagues and partners, to promote the project and its achievements, and amplify the voices/views/needs of disabled people, across our networks and build a legacy. 

General team working  

• Contribute to the wider objectives and development of Community Rail Network, especially by sharing project progress and learnings, and offering advice and input.

• Help our member support & development team to embed lessons from the project on involving and empowering disabled people.

• Contribute to the maintenance and development of our internal systems (e.g. shared drive, CRM) such as by data capturing relevant contacts and saving documentation.

• As a member of the Community Rail Network team, assist with more general work as needed. 

Skills and competencies 

1. A proven track record in project management, including coordinating between multiple delivery partners and ensuring project/funding requirements are met, and supporting/overseeing effective monitoring and evaluation. 
2. Demonstrable experience in supporting community engagement, ideally related to inclusion, disability and/or mobility, and a good understanding of and confidence using engagement, project planning, and evaluation techniques to develop and support such initiatives. 
3. The ability to collaborate and communicate with community groups and other local partners, draw on their views and expertise, and support them to build capacity and confidence. 
4. Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work confidently with stakeholders at all levels and facilitate positive discussion; articulate and assertive, and a great team player. 
5. A proven ability to bring partners and groups together, develop and maintain mutually-beneficial partnerships, deliver joint activities, and form professional networks. 
6. Good writing, research and analysis skills, including the ability to draw on quantitative and qualitative evidence, produce case studies, briefings and reports. 
7. Awareness of accessibility, social mobility and social inclusion issues, and an appreciation of the importance of rail, sustainable travel and mobility to communities and disabled people.
8. A demonstrable ability to manage time effectively and juggle a range of activities in an organised, professional, productive manner, including planning and scheduling, coordinating with colleagues and partners, and bringing projects to fruition.
9. Proactive, positive and self-motivated, able to work on own initiative and inspire and enthuse others, and overcome hurdles to achieve results. 
10. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and the internet. 

Other information

This post is home-based, but with travel (including occasional overnight stays) for project meetings, events and external meetings. Applicants will need local access to a train station to enable rail-based travel for work as needed.

This is a fixed term contract and includes a probationary period of three months from the date of appointment. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

We are committed to being a flexible, supportive, inclusive and understanding employer.

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE POST

This strategic and outward-facing role will be instrumental in expanding the School’s network of supporters and maximising philanthropic income as we celebrate our Centenary in 2026. The postholder will take a leading role in identifying, cultivating, and securing new major donor relationships - building a strong and sustainable pipeline of prospects capable of making transformational gifts to support the School’s vision and long-term priorities as it seeks to uphold its global standing as a centre of performance excellence in classical dance from London base.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced development professional to play a pivotal part in shaping the School’s next chapter. Working closely with senior leadership, the postholder will design and deliver innovative engagement strategies to attract new supporters, deepen relationships with key prospects, and communicate the School’s impact and ambitions with clarity and passion. The role requires a proactive and strategic relationship-builder with the confidence to engage high-level individuals and the insight to convert interest into enduring philanthropic partnerships in support of the future of the performing arts at the highest level.

CONTRACT TERMS

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Salary: £45,000 per annum

Location: Upper School, Covent Garden

Start Date: March/April 2026

Annual Leave: 30 days per annum

MAIN DUTIES

Donor Cultivation and Relationship Management

• Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with new and existing supporters through personalised engagement strategies informed by the Head of Development
• Represent the School at meetings, events, presentations and functions to cultivate connections with prospective donors
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the Donor Relations Team to ensure high-level donors are onboarded seamlessly and receive tailored stewardship and recognition.

Strategic Fundraising Planning

• Develop and implement strategies to attract new major donors, aligning with the School’s fundraising priorities for UK in-year activity, as well as USA and Asia development
• Work with senior leadership to set fundraising targets, track progress, and report on performance across each giving level prioritising annual donations of £50k+ per annum.

Proposal Preparation

• Collaborate with content, communications and marketing team colleagues to create compelling materials that articulate the School’s mission and strategic priorities
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns, events, and initiatives to engage, cultivate and convert prospective supporters.

Prospect Research and Identification

• Maintain and update the active prospects pipeline, ensuring all opportunities are tracked and appropriately prioritized with touchpoints and assigned relationship leads
• Contribute to the invitations tracker to ensure all prospects are engaged with in a systemised and relevant way according to location, interest, propensity to give.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Analysis

• Maintain accurate records of donor engagement and interactions in the CRM system improving and refining systems and processes as part of a growing department
• Monitor progress against fundraising targets, providing regular reports and insights to senior leadership on pipeline value from identification to stewardship stages
• Analyse donor trends, sector insights and curate feedback to refine engagement strategies.

Team Collaboration and Leadership

• Work closely with colleagues across Development and the Senior Leadership Team as well as Artistic and Academic staff to refine the propositions and align fundraising priorities
• Host year-round events with the Development Team to enable all prospect engagement
• Mentor and support junior staff involved in development activities where appropriate.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience in donor cultivation and relationship management - Demonstrated success in building and sustaining 5 and 6 figure annual relationships with major donors and key stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills - Capacity to manage multiple donor relationships, events/projects, and fundraising initiatives simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail in a dynamic office environment.
• Strong strategic fundraising expertise - Ability to design, implement, and evaluate fundraising strategies that align with institutional priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - Skilled at engaging and influencing diverse audiences through persuasive written and verbal communication, including at senior levels.
• Proficiency in proposal and campaign development - Experience preparing compelling fundraising proposals, campaign materials, and event strategies that inspire donor support.
• Analytical and reporting skills - Ability to monitor, interpret, and report on fundraising performance, donor trends, and engagement metrics using CRM and data analysis tools.
• Collaborative teamwork - Proven ability to work effectively across departments and with senior leadership, collaborating with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Ethical commitment and alignment with institutional values - Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and commitment to advancing the mission and values of the School through responsible fundraising practices.

Desirable Criteria:

• A knowledge and appreciation of ballet, the arts, performance, elite sport
• Understanding of 501c3 and Endowment Fund structures
• Previous experience of using Salesforce.

SAFEGUARDING DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child-centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:

• To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with
• To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner
• To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.

This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. Consequently, this information will be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes.

We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.

We Are Purposeful is looking foe a Senior Learning and Insights Manager!  This is a remote role with a preference for candidates based in the Global South.

WHO WE ARE:

 .

“Remaking the world with and for girls”

Purposeful is a movement-building hub for adolescent girls and young feminists. We resource their resistance, accompany journeys of political education, build solidarity between and across movements, amplify their voices, catalyse collaborative philanthropy and support innovation in grassroots programming with and for girls and young feminists.

Our work is both global and deeply local. In Sierra Leone, we bring our work together into one integrated strategy, sparking a groundswell of girls and young feminists who can access and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. We move money to their allies to influence change, from communities to courtrooms. Across the world we support girls’ and young feminists’ organising and activism through a girl-led participatory grant-making process called the With and For Girls Fund. In times of crisis, we move money rapidly to girls and young feminists organising on the frontlines via the Global Resilience Fund.  No matter where we are, we work so that girls and young feminists can access the resources, networks and platforms they need to remake the world for themselves.

Purposeful is a proudly feminist organisation, with a strong intersectional power analysis. We pursue strategies that prioritise the collective liberation of girls. We are looking for team members who share our feminist ideals. We believe the best work happens in dialogue, and we value collective decision-making. We believe in celebrating success, amongst staff and partners alike. We are looking for team members with a deep commitment to collaborative working, and who bring a sense of joy and humour to what can be challenging work.

We pride ourselves on our diversity, the multiple languages we speak and places we live. We are all parents or have other caring responsibilities. We prioritise work-life balance, many of us have other projects and passions outside of Purposeful. As a team we prioritise opportunities for learning, sharing, and embedding different worldviews. We are looking for team members who thrive in diverse and cross-cultural contexts, and who bring passion, creativity and a thirst for learning to their work.

We are our partnerships. We are most proud of the shared vision we have built with our partners - rooted in mutuality, trust, and collaboration. We are looking for team members who will work tirelessly to rebalance power disparities in funder-partner relationships, acting as responsible stewards of resources of and for our movements.

CONTEXT OF THIS ROLE:

At Purposeful, learning is a political responsibility. We are reclaiming and organising our many ways of knowing, meeting stories with data, and building a robust case for this work. We are bridging traditional logical frameworks with feminist learning principles and creating space for their co-existence. 

The Senior Learning and Insights Manager will play a critical role--  contributing to a bold learning and insights strategy aligned with Purposeful’s vision, mission, and growth, leading the design of data collection systems, contributing to data collection efforts, from surveys to storytelling, closing feedback loops and crafting knowledge products, intended to inform, influence and amplify. 

They will bring technical expertise across a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, they will come with curiosity and a willingness to share. The Learning and Insights Manager will work closely with the Learning and Insights Lead and across all Purposeful teams, particularly Grant-making, Communications and Resource Mobilisation. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Purposeful at a time when we are launching a new strategy and consolidating everything we’ve learned about our learning and insights approach over the last seven years. 

SCOPE OF WORK

1. Learning and Insights Strategy and Systems

• Contribute to the delivery and implementation of a new Learning and Insights strategy and results framework, building on our Learning Agenda. 

• Lead the design and embedding of data collection tools and systems across Purposeful teams, in particular our global grantmaking and advocacy teams.

• Work closely with the Learning and Insights team to champion a culture of learning within Purposeful and with grantee partners. 

2. Technical Support

• Lead cycles of data collection across our global grantmaking work - supporting regional teams with technical expertise, as and when needed. 

• Periodically join learning calls, spaces and convenings with our grantee partners - embedding and supporting documentation. 

• Lead regular cross team learning and insights meetings and drive follow up actions.

• Conduct periodic analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, and produce synthesis that informs strategic choices across thematic and regional work.

• Facilitate sense-making and feedback loops with the Purposeful team, girls, young feminists, and grantee partners. 

• Manage timelines and workplans to feed into key learning and reporting moments. 

3. Research 

• Move learning grants to grantees (approximately five to ten grants annually) to enable them to document their work and/or conduct research which they have identified as a priority  - this includes an application process, accompaniment plan and check-ins. 

• Contribute to the delivery of research led or commissioned by Purposeful, this may include the reviewing TORS and methodologies, check ins with consultants, and reviewing deliverables.

4. Knowledge Production and Dissemination 

• Conceptualize and produce case studies, briefs or other knowledge products underpinned by quantitative and qualitative data, to assist with case building.

• Contribute to the development of other external knowledge products as required, such as slidedecks, thematic briefs, regional briefs, blogs, op-eds, and research reports. 

• Work across teams to identify opportunities to disseminate and amplify knowledge products, including conference spaces, social media campaigns, webinars, instagram lives and academic publications. 

• Lead and/or contribute to the drafting of conference and journal abstracts. 

• Represents Purposeful in high level external spaces, including conferences, funder collaborations and research partnerships.

5. Other 

• Line manages one to two team members and oversees consultants as required.

• Respond to information needs and requests of the Senior Management and Leadership Team as needed. 

• Stay abreast of research related to our work and research methodologies, by reviewing publications and attending related conferences, meetings, and other events. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience & Skills

• At least five to seven years of experience in MEL or research, including experience working with philanthropic funds, feminist organisations or social justice movements.

• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing learning frameworks and systems across multiple projects or funds. 

• In-depth understanding of feminist issues, movement building, social justice and/or girls’ rights, or another thematic area, such as humanitarian aid or climate change, and how it relates to girls and young feminists.

• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research.

• The capacity to analyse, critique and identify themes and insights.

• Experience of Salesforce or another database or information management system.

• Proven experience facilitating cross team learning and influencing senior colleagues to act on evidence and insights.

• Excellent writing skills, with demonstrable experience of tailoring knowledge products for different audiences. 

• Data visualisation skills are desirable. 

• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills and ability to multi-task.

• Strong (in-person and virtual) workshop development and facilitation skills. 

• Strong project management skills.

• Confidence to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Fluency or high proficiency  in a second language, preferably Arabic (spoken and written) 

• Willingness to travel, approximately four to six weeks per year

We are delighted to be supporting a prestigious London-based higher education institution in their search for a Deputy Academic Registrar (Data and Systems) to join their Student and Academic Services team. This is a full-time, temporary role running for up to 4-months.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced higher education professional with expertise in student data management and systems to play a strategic role in shaping services and ensuring compliance with external reporting requirements.

Key Responsibilities for this role include:

• Leading on the management and optimisation of the student record system (SITS) to support business processes, student administration, and reporting.
• Overseeing the preparation and submission of statutory student data returns to external agencies such as HESA and OfS.
• Ensuring robust data quality processes and providing detailed analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Managing and developing the Student Data and Management Information team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Acting as the institutional lead for student systems, providing expert advice, training, and documentation for users.
• Representing the institution at external meetings and user groups, and monitoring sector developments to ensure compliance and best practice.

To be considered for this position, you should possess:

• Deep understanding and experience of Higher Education Registry services.
• Substantial experience in student systems and data management within higher education.
• Extensive knowledge of statutory returns and regulatory requirements (e.g., HESA, OfS).
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience delivering data and systems projects.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and drive change.
• High-level technical skills in student databases and related applications; experience with SITS is desirable.
• Strong planning, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.

If you're a strategic thinker with a passion for data integrity and system optimisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Please apply below and submit your CV in Word format.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.